Who's Performing at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2024?

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival 2024 will take place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on 3 and 4 May. In 2020, the Covid-19 pandemic forced organisers to postpone the 21st edition of the event, but 2024 marks its official return after a four-year hiatus.

Jazz aficionados from around the world will descend on the Cape for the duration of the weekend to celebrate “Africa’s Grandest Gathering”. Read on to find out more about the event, who’s performing this year, and everything else you need to know before you buy tickets.

What is the Cape Town International Jazz Festival?

French artist FKJ performing at the 2019 Cape Town International Jazz Festival

In 2000, the organisers of the North Sea Jazz Festival teamed up with a local company to host the first “Cape Town North Sea Jazz Festival”. The partnership lasted five years and then transformed into the Cape Town International Jazz Festival. Since then, it has become one of the world’s premier stand-alone jazz events.

In fact, not only is it the largest jazz festival in Africa, but it’s the fourth-largest in the world. It now takes place at the CTICC, welcoming thousands of music lovers to the Mother City. The 2024 edition takes on a new look, with all-new names for its stages:

• Sapphire
• Ruby
• Emerald
• Topaz

It will also feature a Flavour Junction, where attendees can choose from a selection of food trucks and bars. Other activities include:

• Jazz Ensemble: A VIP experience complete with a buffet and complimentary drinks
• Jazz Café: An “alternative experience” for attendees who want catering and a dedicated cash bar
• Artist Masterclasses: Intimate workshops with some of the jazz industry’s finest minds

Who’s Performing at the Cape Town Jazz Festival 2024?

Jam out with musicians at this year’s event

To mark its long-awaited return, this year’s CTIJF will feature a star-studded lineup. Here are some of the headline acts:

• Matt Bianco (UK)
• Kokoroko (UK)
• The Yussef Dayes Experience (UK)
• Nduduzo Makhathini Trio Featuring Omagugu (SA)
• Mandisi Dyantyis (SA)
• Radio Sechaba (SA)
• Billy Monama (SA)
• Zoë Modiga (SA)
• Carlo Mombelli & The Prisoners Of Strange (SA)
• Benjamin Jephta Presents “Born Coloured, Not Born-Free” (SA)
• Kujenga (SA)

Lindsay Rhoda, Head of Talent at CTIJF, says: “We have worked hard over the past few months to compile a programme that pays homage to the heritage of our jazz roots, but also speaks to the exciting future of music that is embracing all jazz-related genres as anthems for a new tomorrow.”

General Information for Attendees

Some of the world’s foremost jazz musicians come to the festival each year

How Much are Tickets to the Cape Town Jazz Festival?

• General admission tickets cost R950 per night and give you access to the Sapphire and Topaz stages
• If you want to attend shows at the Emerald and Ruby stages, you will need to purchase surcharge tickets for R30 per person per show
• Note: no pass-outs allowed
• Note: this is a cashless event

Can Children Attend the Cape Town Jazz Festival?

No children under 10 are allowed to attend the event.

Hire a Car in Cape Town Ahead of the CTIJF

Artists on stage at last year’s CTIJF

The Cape Town International Jazz Festival attracts music lovers from around the world. And, after a four-year hiatus, attendees will celebrate four times as hard. Whether you’re travelling from the US, Europe, or from within South Africa, car rental in Cape Town will help you get the most out of your festival experience.

Simply speak to one of our expert agents to secure your car hire in Cape Town. If you want to arrive in style, ask about our luxury car rental options. Alternatively, if you want to turn your visit to the Mother City into a road trip adventure, enquire about our 4×4 rental options.